Description
This Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, crispy shrimp cooked in a hot skillet with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Garnished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, these shrimp have a bold, smoky flavor that pairs well with rice, salad, or your favorite side.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh lemon juice, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with the blackened seasoning, ensuring each shrimp is coated for maximum flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a dark, blackened crust. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss well to coat them with the garlic butter sauce. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding shrimp to achieve the signature blackened crust.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easy cooking and eating.
- If you do not have store-bought blackened seasoning, you can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Serve with rice, grits, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust the heat of the seasoning to taste by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
